Guidelines on Munster Council Development Grants

IT is that time of year when clubs start preparing their application forms for grants. Munster Council Grants are categorised as follows:

· Category 1 - Purchase of ground for playing pitch (including first, second or third pitch)

· Category 2 - Construction of new Dressing Rooms or Extension of existing Dressing Rooms

· Category 3 - Schools Grounds Purchase & Development

· Category 4 - Construction or Refurbishment of Handball Court

· Category 5 - County & Major Grounds Development

· Category 6 - Other Club Development Project

· Category 7 - Sanding Grant Scheme

· Category 8 - Regularisation of legal ownership of property

Application forms and guidelines for the various grant categories were issued in May. The closing date for grant applications is the last Friday, in September each year. Applications for grants received in Comhairle na Mumhan after the last Friday, in September in any year and incomplete applications received before that date shall be returned to the Club in question. Late applications shall be re-submitted for processing and approval the following year.

Applications shall be deemed incomplete if any of the necessary documentation is not supplied. Only expenditure of a capital nature (providing a long term asset) is eligible for support under the Grant Schemes. Applications for grants shall only be considered from County Boards, affiliated clubs, handball clubs and schools, except in exceptional circumstances, within the province of Munster.

In general only one application can be made for grant approval for the same project and proposed phasing of development must be stated in all applications for grants in first year of application. All GAA units in receipt of development grant funding are required to provide the use of their facilities to provincial, county, clubs, schools, colleges and other GAA units free of charge.

Clubs found to be submitting incorrect or fraudulent documentation will be subject to sanctions as deemed appropriate by the Council up to and including suspension from the scheme and repayment of monies paid.

All grant payments shall be made in favour of the applicant unit and will be paid out at a meeting organised in each County by the Munster Council representative. Payments in respect of approved grants shall be paid, where possible before the end of the year. Please contact Éamon Whelan, Development Officer for further information.

Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice reached out top some Kerry supporters ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final Group 1 Phase 3 match against Kildare at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney.Three hours later he stepped down from the position after six year in charge. Photo by Sportsfile